Dorcas Wanjiku Rigathi

Dorcas Wanjiku Rigathi (born 1965) is a Kenyan pastor and public advocate. She served as Kenya’s Second Lady during her husband Rigathi Gachagua’s tenure as Deputy President, from 13 September 2022 until his removal via impeachment on 17 October 2024. She led initiatives under the Office of the Spouse of the Deputy President (OSDP), including empowerment of the boy child, rehabilitation, and support for persons with disabilities, widows, and orphans. Kithure Kindiki assumed office as Deputy President on 1 November 2024.

Early life and education Dorcas was born in 1965 in Ndunyu ya Chege, Gatanga, Murang’a County. She grew up in Kiandutu, Thika, and attended Mugumo-ini Primary School. Through the OSDP, she led the “boy child” initiative, combining outreach clinics, rehabilitation, vocational training and graduations. She advocated for PWD inclusion through Special Olympics Kenya as patron. She partnered with agencies such as the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) to establish rehabilitation centres.

Awards and honours In honor of her work with the community, especially widows, and her ministry, Dorcas received an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity from Breakthrough International Bible University in 2021.

Personal life Dorcas met Gachagua while studying at Kenyatta University while he studied at the University of Nairobi, and they married in 1989. They have two sons.